Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & FAQs

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects how the ovaries work, often leading to irregular periods, fertility challenges, and symptoms like acne or excess hair growth. It's also linked to serious health risks like diabetes and heart disease. In this guide, we’ll break down PCOS symptoms, causes, and treatment options—plus answer the most frequently asked questions to help you take control of your health.

At All-Inclusive Preventive Care in Miami Gardens, we specialize in the diagnosis and personalized management of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, helping patients take control of their health.

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Symptoms of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome, sometimes also called polycystic ovarian disease, affects each person differently. Symptoms can begin around puberty and often continue through the childbearing years, especially if left untreated. While not all women with PCOS experience the same signs, some of the most common include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles or missed periods (amenorrhea), due to anovulation (lack of egg release)
• Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or abdomen (hirsutism) caused by elevated male hormones (androgens)
• Acne prone or oily skin, often linked to increased testosterone or other sex hormone imbalances
• Scalp hair loss or thinning hair, sometimes described as male-pattern baldness
• Being overweight or unexplained weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, due to insulin resistance and hormonal changes
• Difficulty with ovulation or fertility related to immature or disrupted ovarian follicle development

Other symptoms may include:

• Mood changes, fatigue, or sleep disturbances (which may signal underlying stress or obstructive sleep apnea)
• Skin tags, acanthosis nigricans (darkened skin around the neck, groin, or armpits)
• Abnormal uterine bleeding, which may result from endometrial hyperplasia caused by unopposed estrogen
• Pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes or preterm birth may also be more likely in women with PCOS—especially if the condition is unmanaged.
• High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, or elevated blood glucose levels due to metabolic syndrome

These symptoms are tied to disruptions in reproductive hormones like luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, and estradiol—all regulated by the endocrine system. Without proper management, PCOS increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, endometrial cancer, and other long-term health conditions.

At All-Inclusive Preventive Care in Miami Gardens, we use a full medical history, physical exam, and blood tests to evaluate your hormone levels, glucose tolerance, and reproductive function. If these PCOS symptoms sound familiar, our team can guide you through diagnosis and therapy designed to fit your goals and health needs.

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What Causes PCOS?

There is no single known exact cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, but it's believed to result from a combination of genetic, endocrine, and environmental factors. The endocrine system, which regulates hormones, plays a key role in this condition.

Hormonal Imbalances

Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens like testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone) interfere with the menstrual cycle, causing anovulation, irregular periods, and endometrial hyperplasia. Disruptions in hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, estradiol, and estrogen also contribute to ovulatory dysfunction.

Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Dysfunction

Insulin resistance is a central feature of PCOS. Elevated insulin levels promote androgen secretion, worsen acne and hirsutism, and lead to weight gain, particularly in the adipose tissue surrounding the abdomen. This causes increased risk for type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

Higher blood sugar levels, poor glucose tolerance, and abnormal lipid profiles are often found in PCOS women, placing them at higher risk for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during pregnancy.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

PCOS tends to run in families. A genetic predisposition, especially among those with a history of type 2 diabetes, obesity, or hormonal imbalances, increases the risk. Emerging research links environmental exposures (e.g., phthalates, bisphenol A) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals to altered hormone regulation.

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PCOS Belly: What Does It Look Like?

The so-called “PCOS belly” refers to central obesity, where excess adipocytes (fat cells) accumulate in the midsection. This abdominal fat is metabolically active and contributes to inflammation, impaired insulin sensitivity, and elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels. It's a hallmark of metabolic dysfunction in PCOS and increases risk for atherosclerosis and liver steatosis.

Our medical weight loss program in Miami Gardens incorporates dietitian-guided meal plans, glycemic index education, and exercise therapy to promote a healthy weight, lower blood glucose levels, and restore metabolic balance.

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How is PCOS Diagnosed?

Diagnosis relies on a comprehensive evaluation, including:

• Medical history: Menstrual patterns, fertility, weight changes, acne, hair loss, and family history
• Physical examination: Assessing signs like neck or groin acanthosis, body hair, and body mass index (BMI)
• Blood tests: Measuring hormone levels (e.g., prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone, lipids, and glucose)
• Ultrasound imaging: Evaluates polycystic ovaries, endometrial thickness, and ovarian follicles

Other tools like the glucose tolerance test, fasting insulin, and serum androgens are used to assess diabetes risk, ovulation, and metabolic health.

In some cases, screening for thyroid function, vitamin D deficiency, or genetic markers may be recommended.

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How to Treat PCOS: Medical and Lifestyle Options

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome management is individualized, focusing on symptom relief and prevention of long-term complications like infertility, endometrial cancer, and cardiometabolic disease.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Diet: Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-glycemic foods to improve insulin resistance
• Exercise: Aids in weight control, regulates blood sugar, and boosts mood
• Weight loss: Even modest reduction (5–10%) in body weight can restore ovulation, lower male hormone levels, and improve skin and hair health

Medical Treatment

• Hormonal birth control: Regulates irregular menstrual cycles, treats acne, and reduces hirsutism
• Metformin: Improves insulin sensitivity, lowers glucose, and may aid in weight loss
• Fertility therapy: Includes letrozole, clomiphene, or gonadotropin injections to induce ovulation.
• Antiandrogens like spironolactone: Combat excess facial hair, acne, and hair thinning
• Topical treatments: Like eflornithine or benzoyl peroxide for skin management
• Hair removal: Options include laser hair removal, electrolysis, and dermato,affects each person differently. Symptoms can begin around

Women pursuing conception may consider in vitro fertilization (IVF), controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, or other assisted reproductive technologies.

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FAQs: Quick Answers about PCOS

What are the first signs of PCOS?

Irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, acne, and hirsutism often appear first. These reflect hormonal and metabolic imbalances.

Can PCOS be cured naturally?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome cannot be cured, but a combination of diet, exercise, and medical therapy significantly reduces symptoms and health risks.

Is PCOS dangerous?

If untreated, PCOS may lead to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, infertility, and even endometrial cancer. Routine screening and early treatment are essential.

Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome always cause infertility?

No. Many women ovulate naturally or with assistance. Treatments like letrozole, gonadotropins, and IVF help restore fertilisation.

What is a PCOS belly?

It’s abdominal fat accumulation caused by insulin resistance, linked to higher risks of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosed?

Using a combination of blood work, pelvic ultrasound, and physical examination, based on criteria from the Endocrine Society and validated through randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews.

Can PCOS affect pregnancy?

Yes. Women with PCOS have a higher risk of pregnancy complications like miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. With early diagnosis, blood sugar control, and appropriate prenatal care, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies.

Your Partner in PCOS Care – Now in Miami Gardens

At All-Inclusive Preventive Care, we offer evidence-based, compassionate support for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through personalized care plans that address your medical history, symptoms, and long-term goals. Our services may include medical weight loss, hormonal birth control, fertility guidance, and referrals to trusted specialists in obstetrics or endocrinology when needed.

Visit us at 16361 NW 57th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33014. Call (305) 200-3141 or request your appointment online today.

We see patients ages 18+—or younger if they are sexually active and seeking reproductive health support. Whether you're navigating irregular periods, exploring family planning, or looking for answers about PCOS symptoms, our team is here to help you feel informed and supported every step of the way.